A British official related that a Taliban delegation is in Qatar to ask again the international community, which does not recognize the regime, to provide the financial aid needed by Afghanistan in crisis. Led by Amir Khan Muttaqi, foreign minister in the government installed by the Taliban in Kabul, the group is due to meet in Doha with European and Gulf diplomats, who should notably outline their expectations with regard to human rights in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan has been sank down in a deep humanitarian crisis since the Taliban took power on August 2021, after twenty years of devastating war. As a result, international aid has been ceased, which represented 75% of the Afghan budget. Consequently and according to the UN, 55% of the population, or 23 million Afghans, is threatened with starvation.
The same official added that the UK continues to be engaged in a pragmatic dialogue with the Taliban and finds necessary to keep communication channels open in order to have contacts and discuss matters raising concerns, especially on human rights and particularly those of women.
Recently, the United States seized reserves of seven billion dollars from the Afghan Central Bank, a decision condemned by the Taliban.
Last month, the Taliban travelled to Oslo, Norway, during a controversial visit, the first to Europe since taking power last August, to meet members of Afghan civil society and Western diplomats.
The Taliban had already ruled Afghanistan between 1996 and 2001 by imposing a rigorous interpretation of Islamic laws. They were then driven out by American forces and their allies before returning to power last summer, thanks to the military withdrawal of the West.
The UN has been advocating for months for an easing of the sanctions imposed on Kabul since August 2021, in order to avoid the collapse of the country.